31 Desember 2014

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (image : Aviation Week)SYDNEY – Airbus and Boeing are jointly attempting to unseat Lockheed Martin from South Korea’s KF-X indigenous fighter program, offering technology from Europe that could not be supplied from U.S. sources, industry officials say.With Korean Airlines as the local partner, the pair are likely to be proposing the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a base design for the KF-X.The defense ministry’s procurement office, the Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA), issued a request for proposals for KF-X development on Dec. 23.The Boeing-Airbus KF-X proposal should be an economical alternative to a fighter design of the defense ministry’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) that Korea Aerospace Industries has been expected to build with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin.The U.S. limits the technology that its companies can transfer abroad. South Korea lacks technology in many fields, such as active, electronically scanning radar. But Airbus, as an airframe company, is probably involved in the Boeing bid as a supplier of stealth know-how that the U.S. company is not authorized to provide.A budget of 8.6991 trillion won ($7.9171 billion) approved by the finance ministry this month must be intended to pay for development of the ADD KF-X. But parliament has not yet authorized that spending or the launch of full-scale development, nor can it do so before it votes on the government’s 2016 budget next December. In the meantime, KAL looks likely to submit the cheaper alternative, based on the Super Hornet, to DAPA in response to its request for proposals.Industry officials previously told Aviation Week that Boeing was proposing the Advanced Super Hornet, an update of the F/A-18E/F with a weapons pod and conformal tanks. Other industry officials said Boeing was working with Korean Airlines. Now different officials say that Airbus is also on the team.This is not the first time that Boeing has offered non-U.S. technology to South Korea. When proposing an advanced F-15 version called the Silent Eagle for the separate F-X Phase 3 fighter program, Boeing suggested technology transfer from Israel Aerospace Industries, an industry official says. Lockheed Martin won F-X Phase 3 with the F-35 and in return is supposed to back KF-X development.(Aviation Week)

The exercise will focus in disaster relief operations, and to a certain extent, on counter-hijacking in the open seas (photo : Defencetalk)KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began their first-ever bilateral military exercise yesterday to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.The five-day tabletop exercise at the Armed Forces’ Joint Warfare Centre (Pesama) saw 20 officers from Malaysia combining their expertise with PLA’s 21-men delegation to develop a common framework for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.The exercise, opened by Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, will be the start of many joint drills that is expected to culminate in a field tactical exercise next year.“We seek to enhance cooperation between the two armed forces, especially in disaster relief operations, and to a certain extent, on counter-hijacking in the open seas,” Jen Zulkifeli told reporters.The PLA team was led by Operations Department deputy director-general, Senior Captain (Navy) Jiang Ke.“It (joint exercises) will develop into something that is more current. Basically it will be non-war related operations,” he said when asked if the joint exercises could evolve into offensive-type operations.Senior Capt Jiang added that the tabletop exercise was a historic moment for both militaries as it symbolises the expansion of Malaysia and China’s defence cooperation.“China and Malaysia share common strategic interests in this region, and a good foundation to jointly tackle major natural disasters, as well as the obligation to safeguard regional stability and security of international sea lanes.”In September 2005, Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defence cooperation with China – the first of its kind between a South-East Asian country and China.The memorandum paved the way for the establishment of working groups under the Security Defence and Strategic Consultation in September 2012, reciprocal high-level visits involving PLA’s deputy Chief of the General Staff and Malaysia’s Defence Minister, and a Defence Working Group Meeting in March 2012.(The Star)

30 Desember 2014

Kilo submarine prepare for launched (photo : DatViet)The fifth of six Kilo-class submarines that Vietnam contracted to buy from Russia was launched at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg on Sunday, Russian news agency Interfax reported.The submarine codenamed HQ-186 Khanh Hoa is the fifth of the six Project 636.1 diesel-electric submarines ordered by Vietnam. The first two subs, HQ-182 Hanoi and HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City, arrived in Vietnam in early January and mid-March. The third one, HQ-184 Hai Phong, was loaded into the Dutch-registered cargo ship Rolldock Star on December 16 and is scheduled to be delivered to Cam Ranh Port in late next month.The fourth one, HQ-185 Da Nang, was launched on March 28 and is undergoing testing. The sixth and last one, HQ-187 Ba Ria-Vung Tau, was built from May 28 and is scheduled to be delivered to Vietnam in 2016. The six submarines, which are considered improvements over the older Kilo-class, feature six 533 mm tubes that can launch TEST-71 series anti-surface and anti-submarine heavyweight torpedoes. They were built under a US$2-billion deal signed during a visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Russia in 2009. Under the contract, Russia will deliver all by 2016, train Vietnamese crews, and supply necessary spare parts.(ThanhNienNews)

PN 2 AW-109E Power (all photos : Fabrizio Capenti)MANILA (PNA) -- The last two AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters, out of the five ordered by the Philippine Navy (PN), have arrived in the country Sunday.This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the PNA Monday."They (AW-109 airframes) have arrived yesterday (Sunday). Being assembled today," he said.He did not give specifics on when and how the airframes arrived.But PN public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said that the AW-109 airframes were transported by cargo aircraft to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in Pasay Sunday.

She added that the aircraft and its components are now being assembled at a facility she did not identify for security and safety reasons.Earlier, the PN said that the two AW-109s will be tentatively delivered Monday and commissioned on Jan. 16, 2015 after testing.The latest delivery is part of the five helicopters contracted by the Department of National Defense (DND) with AgustaWestland in 2013 worth Php1.33 billion.The AW-109Es will be armed with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. (PNA)

C-23B Sherpa (photo : pan)The Estonian Air Force will take delivery of two light transport aircraft Sherpa C-23B+ as a gift from the United States in 2015.The aircraft will swap out the Antonov An-2 Soviet-era airplanes, currently in use.The Sherpa C23B+ planes were built in the United Kingdom and like the An-2s, can land on soft surfaces such as grass.The aircraft have three crew members and can carry up to 36 passengers, flying up to 468 kilometers per hour to maximum distances of 1,900 kilometers. The Sherpa is suited for missions requiring an aircraft that is capable of faster, higher-altitude and longer-distance coverage than helicopters. It has a low operating cost due to its simple, robust construction.The Estonian Air Forces uses light transport planes for artillery observation, practice for anti-air units, observation missions, medical evacuations, transporting parachutists and for other transport missions.The aircraft will be delivered to Estonia in 2015, once the pilots and technicians have completed the necessary training.The Philippines and Djibouti will also receive similar aircraft from the US.(News.Err)

29 Desember 2014

Philippine Navy eyes two more naval base aside from the Ulungan Bay in Palawan (photo : Timawa)MANILA, Philippines - Aside from the Ulungan Bay naval base in Palawan, defense and military officials are eyeing construction of two more naval bases that could accommodate various types of vessels to help secure the West Philippine Sea.The planned naval base is expected to be the home of new warships that would arrive starting next year from defense contractors abroad.Aside from the guided missile boat Pohang Class corvette that South Korea is giving to the Philippine Navy (PN) for free, the government is also expecting delivery of two brand new frigates from the South Korean government and two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) and other vessels it procured from Indonesia.“To avoid port congestion in the future, we are building more naval bases in Palawan,” an informed source bared, adding the military leadership is now looking to Japan to supply the Navy with patrol vessels after the country relaxed its export ban on military equipment.At present the Navy is developing the Ulugan Bay Naval Base that would be home to its Naval Forces West (Navforwest) and transform the nearby Oyster Bay into a modern naval facility.Ulungan Bay is directly facing the West Philippine Sea where tension has been mounting due to the massive maritime claim by China in line with its “creeping invasion” of almost the entire South China Sea.The Philippines, with a weaker military, could only oppose China’s action through legal measures before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) that Beijing has rejected.For security reasons, the source declined to give the location in Palawan of the planned additional Navy facilities that would soon rise.The source said once the naval facilities become operational it would be much easier for the Navy to respond to any kind of maritime disaster and security emergencies in the region.The Ulugan Bay naval station is near Oyster Bay, an area facing the West Philippine Sea and one of the sites that the military wants to develop.The AFP wants to offer Oyster Bay as a possible site for the US facilities to be built under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).Military officials are hopeful that the EDCA, which provides US troops greater access to Philippine bases, will facilitate the development of the site.The government has allotted P500 million to develop the Ulugan Bay base, including P313 million to improve the pier, harbor and support facilities at Oyster Bay.(PhilStar)

Vietnam's Kilo-class submarines are all equipped with 3M-14E Klub-S ballistic missiles (photo : H. My) Vietnam's Kilo-submarines to potentially blockade Spratly islandsVietnam's six Kilo-class submarines purchased from Russia are very likely to be used to cut off the supply line of the People's Liberation Army's garrison at the disputed Spratly islands according to the Duowei News on Dec. 24.China's nationalist tabloid the Global Times said that the People's Navy of Vietnam had already received three Kilo-class submarines from Russia. Vietnam's Kilo-class submarines are all equipped with 3M-14E Klub-S ballistic missiles. With an attacking range of 280 kilometers, the missile can reach Guangdong province's Zhanjiang, where China's South Sea Fleet headquarters is located. China's major naval facilities on Hainan island are also within reach. In addition, the Kilo-submarines can attack PLA supply ships with its GE2-01 radar-guided torpedoes.The Global Times did say however that the PLA Navy has something up its sleeve to counter the new Vietnamese subs. Three Type 094 Jin-class ballistic missile submarines have already been sent to Hainan island just in case of a potential conflict over the Spratlys. China would also deploy its Type 093 Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarines to the region if needed.Despite the advantage the Vietnamese Kilos have in land attack and anti-ship capabilities, Taipei-based Asia Pacific Defense magazine said that they are not designed to fight enemy submarines.Also, as China has already been using Russian subs for quite some time and has a strong knowledge concerning the Kilos weaknesses, the PLA Navy has a better chance of inflicting serious damage on the Vietnamese purchases should a battle take place, according to the Global Times. (WantChinaTimes)Vietnam's ballistic missile can strike southern China: KanwaWith an attacking range of 280 kilometers, the Vietnamese navy's 3M-14E Klub-S submarine-launched ballistic missile can be used against China's Hainan and Guangdong provinces when launched from southern Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay, military analyst Andrei Chang, also known as Pinkov, wrote in an article for the Kanwa Defense Review, a Chinese-language military magazine based in Canada.The purchase of 3M-14E ballistic missiles from Russia makes Vietnam's six Kilo-class 636MV submarines more powerful than their Chinese counterparts. Pinkov said the 3M-14E is only allowed to be exported to Algeria, India and Vietnam. It is not allowed to be installed aboard China's Kilo-class MV submarines yet. In a war between China and Vietnam, the Vietnamese navy is very likely to use the submarines in the vanguard against the PLA Navy.The Vietnamese subs have also undergone a number of modifications to make them quieter. In a potential operation against China's South Sea Fleet based in Zhanjiang in Guangdong, the ballistic missile can be used in coordination with satellites. Compared to China's 3M-54E ballistic missile which has a range of only 220 kilometers, Vietnam's 3M-14E can reach 280 kilometers. This is enough for the People's Navy of Vietnam to attack critical Chinese naval targets in Hainan and Guangdong.Russia has transferred all technologies Vietnam needs to operate the submarines. Unlike China, Vietnam does not have the tradition of reverse engineering the military hardware it acquires from Russia. Furthermore, Vietnam has India as its major ally in the region. Pinkov said India may provide more assistance to Vietnam than Russia since they operate Kilo-class submarines in waters of a similar temperature. However, a source said that both countries have to send their submarines back to Russia for overhaul.In addition to Kilo-class submarines, the People's Air Force of Vietnam is likely to deploy its first Su-30MK2 fighters purchased from Russia to Cam Ranh Bay. By 2015, Vietnam is estimated to operate 32 Su-30MK2 in the region. Those fighters can increase Vietnam's force projection capability against China over the disputed Spratly islands.(WantChinaTimes)

PMC will use SMAW to destroy bunkers and lightly armored vehicles (photo : combatindex)PN to set up maritime domain awareness centers; to acquire new weaponryMANILA - The Philippine Navy (PN) announced on Friday that it will establish coast watch centers and related facilities in the northern part of the country.The move is in line with the objective of boosting its maritime situational awareness capability.Furthermore, in a related development, The Navy also announced that it is acquiring "shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapons" (SMAW) to give its Marine units the capability to neutralize bunkers and lightly armored vehicles. Maritime domain awareness capability refers to the ability of a nation's armed forces to detect, monitor, and, if needed, drive away intruders from its territorial waters.These were announced by PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad without divulging exact figures and locations for security reasons.Taccad said the strategic goal of maritime situational awareness, "as stipulated in our Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy, is to ensure effective maritime information support in order to facilitate effective decision-making for credible deterrence and support to national and regional cooperation for maritime security and development and governance."This project, he disclosed, is now undergoing pre-bidding, the PN vice commander added.The SMAW, on the other hand, "is to fill the gaps in the direct fire support weapons capabilities of the Marines against different bunkers, concrete walls, light armor and other hard and 'soft' targets," PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said.It is defined as a "rocket weapon with a maximum range of 1,500 meters. It will be issued to special Marine units who accompany fellow Marines in possible encounters with heavily-armed or fortified adversaries.The weapon can be used for internal security and territorial defense operations.Taccad added that SMAW is now undergoing evaluation and study by the Defense Acquisition System ad hoc committee.(InterAksyon)

AIM-120 AMRAAM (photo : Raytheon)Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $491,478,068 fixed-price incentive firm type contract for Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) production Lot 28. Contractor will provide AMRAAM missiles and other AMRAAM system items. The AMRAAM system includes the missile, captive air training missile, common munitions bit/reprogramming equipment, and non-developmental item airborne instrumentation unit. Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2017. This contract involves foreign military sales to Korea, Oman, Singapore, and Thailand. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2014 Air Force and Navy production funds in the amount of $278,874,197 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8675-15-C-0022).(US DoD)

26 Desember 2014

P144.5 billion allocated for 2015 defence budget (photo : PN2020)President Benigno S. Aquino III enacted the P2.606-trillion 2015 General Appropriations Act.“We are at the doorstep of the Administration’s penultimate year, and the GAA duly reflects President Aquino’s development priorities for 2015. We’re pouring even more investments into the Administration’s anti-poverty and economic growth programs, as well as strengthening governance reforms we’ve helmed so far,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.Social services gets the largest pie in the said 2015 budget which according to DBM chief, shows the current “administration’s continuing pursuit of its antipoverty goals.” These include provisions for basic education and universal health care.Economic services also have a major share with PhP700.2 billion allocated fund towards this sector aiming for the President’s inclusive growth campaign.Top 3 departments with big share in next year’s budget are the Department of Education (DepEd) with P367.1 billion, P303.2 billion for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and P144.5 billion goes to Department of Nation Defense (DND).(AngMalaya)

The KOLCHUGA provides identification, early warning and location of all known radio frequency emitters mounted on land, sea or air platforms, and it is capable of overriding ‘stealth’ technologies. (photo : uos)Representative delegation of the General Staff and the Air Force of the Republic of Indonesia visited enterprises SC "Ukroboronprom" and familiarized with products Aviation, rocket and artillery radar and defense industry sectors of Ukraine.Yes, Indonesians visited SJSHC "Artem", which specializes in producing air missiles, aircraft equipment and special equipment. His attention is focused on guided air missiles "air-to-air", which can be equipped with air force Indonesia. Potential partners interested in the introduction at home Ukrainian military technology, as well as establishing joint production facilities to specialized companies.Work radar "Kolchuga" and other systems of this type showed foreigners visiting as part of a state-owned enterprise "Research and Production Complex "Iskra" in Kiev.Indonesians also visited SE "Zaporozhye State Aircraft Repair Plant MiGremont" that modernizes and overhaul of MiG-25, Su-27, Su-17, Su-25, Su-17 of all modifications, their components and systems."Ukroboronprom" confirmed their willingness to participate in the tender for the supply of equipment, including radar, the Air Force needs Indonesia.Recall "Ukroboronprom" working closely with the Ministry of Defence and Security of the Republic of Indonesia. Concern participating companies have completed several contracts - to Asian countries supplied armored and aviation equipment, and services provided to repair and upgrade weapons.(Ukroboronprom)

24 Desember 2014

Strategic Sealift Vessel (photo : Defense Studies)MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that one of its two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) will be in service by the second quarter of 2016.This was confirmed by Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad in a press briefing, saying the contract price for the two SSVs is PhP4 billion."The first unit is expected to be delivered on the second quarter of 2016 and the second unit is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017," Taccad said."These ships can be used for military and non-military operations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, sealift, logistics, rescue operations or as a floating government center platform," the PN vice commander stressed.He added that the SSVs carries a crew of 126 officers and enlisted personnel. It can also transport a battalion of troops (500 soldiers) and their equipment.Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL confirmed Friday that it has signed the contract to supply two strategic sealift vessels to the Philippine Navy.The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal signed the contract for the SSVs last July."The SSV is an integral part of the PN's Service Force (logistic) and is needed to accomplish the Navy's missions in different areas," the Navy earlier said.The ships are estimated to weigh around 7,300 gross register tons.The SSVs will also be used to improve the PN's transport and lift capabilities.These missions are needed especially in times of natural disaster of which the Navy is one of the responders.The ships are capable of acting as mini-helicopter carriers as it is capable of carrying two helicopters at its flight deck and another at its enclosed hangar area."SSVs must have helideck capacity for two 10-ton helicopters (based on Sikorsky Black Hawk) and an enclosed hangar for another 10-ton helicopter (also based on the Black Hawk)," a DND supplemental bulletin on the SSVs stated.With the capability to carry three helicopters, the SSV has the capacity to conduct long range patrol and conduct rescue work.The DND supplemental bid bulletin also said that the two ships must have a beam of 21 meters and a propulsion system consisting of two diesel engines coupled to two controllable pitch propellers giving it a minimum speed of 13 knots and a maximum of 16 knots.It should also have a cruising range of 7,500 nautical miles and a crew of 100 to 130 officers and men.The SSVs must be also capable of carrying two landing craft mechanized/utility at floodable well decks, two RHIB or LCVP on boat davits.The SSVs must be also equipped with navigation, surface and air search radars, electronic warfare suite, electro-optical fire control system and combat management systems.It must be armed with one main gun between 40mm to 127mm in caliber and two 30 mm automated cannons and from four to six light machine guns.Money for the SSVs is sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Act Trust Fund. (PNA)

Royal Australian Air Force personnel have commenced training on the C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlifter in the United States after the the first two aircraft were transferred to the Australian register.

Air Force Director General Capability Planning Air Commodore Mike Kitcher said the first Spartans were expected in Australia by mid-2015.

“A total of 10 aircraft will be delivered over the next two years, operated by No. 35 Squadron initially from RAAF Base Richmond,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“The C-27J will integrate seamlessly with existing Defence transports such as Army’s CH-47 Chinooks and Air Force’s C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III.”

Commander of Air Mobility Group Air Commodore Warren McDonald said the C-27J would access airfields unsuitable for larger aircraft.

“Across the Asia Pacific region, there are numerous airfields which are too small or otherwise unsuitable for aircraft such as the C-130J,” AIRCDRE McDonald said.

“The C-27J will have the capacity to carry useful loads such as personnel or vehicles, and be capable of delivering loads on the ground or by airdrop.”

“It is a proven platform that, in service with foreign air forces, has delivered frontline airlift in theatres such as Africa, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.”

On 8 December 2014, the first four technicians from No. 35 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond commenced their training at Waco, Texas. The first 12 aircrew, comprising pilots and loadmasters from No. 35 Squadron, will commence their training in January 2015.

On 15 December 2014, Spartan A34-001 conducted a training flight for the first time under the Australian Flag in Waco, Texas. This training flight carried instructors from L-3 Communications, who will provide training to RAAF personnel on the Spartan.(Aus DoD)